Birthday Card Ideas
for Kids

Handmade birthday cards are a simple way to show kids how much we care about them on their special day.

So, why not add a personal touch by trying out some fun and creative birthday card ideas for kids.

Whether you're a parent seeking a unique card or a card maker looking for fresh ideas, my ideas will spark your creativity.

When it comes to creating birthday cards for kids, it's fun to create a design based on their interests.

By having a theme it will make their special day even more memorable.

Themes include animals, superhero's, space, a favourite film, sports or music. The possibilities are endless!

The key is to have fun and get creative with your design.

Animal Birthday Card Ideas for Kids

Animal birthday cards are always a hit, and they can be customised to reflect a child's favourite critters.

I've created animal ephemera sheets that you can print and use on children's cards.  With 27 animals to choose from I'm sure you will find one to fit your needs.

Easy Animal Cards

These cards came together quickly using patterned paper from Doddlebug Designs.  Their paper pads are ideal for children's card with their bright rainbow colours.

The first two cards use left over paper and simple sentiments.

My third card uses paper for the background with an easy strip sentiment across the bottom part of the card.

Although I used die cut elements to mount some of the animals, these could easily have been cut from a punch.  It all depends on your equipment supplies.

Shadow Box Animal Card

The shadow box card is easier than it looks!

You will need a 6" x 6" card base, patterned and plain paper for layers and an animal image.

1. Take a 4" x 4" piece of patterned paper.
2. Fold the square in half and turn around to fold in half again.  
3. Unfold and then fold each corner to the centre of the paper where the fold lines intersect.
4. With the corners folded in fold back the tips to the edge of the outside fold.
5. For the inside of the folds I used a 4" x4" plain card for the background and added strips of matching paper along the outside edges.

This completes "The Box"

My image was a download from Creative Fabrica which I resized and coloured to fit the inside of my card.  I also added a die cut "Happy Birthday" circle from MFT over the image.

"The box" was layered onto 2 background layers of card before gluing to the card base.

• When folding use a bone folder for a clean crease.
• Add googly eyes to the animals for a playful touch.
• The size of the box can be adjusted to fit a smaller card. 

Pop-up Cards

Pop-up cards are a fun and creative way to surprise kids of all ages.  They bring a smile to any child's face.

Kids just love the surprise of opening a card with a pop-up element whether it's an animal or their favourite superhero.

Here's an easy step by step guide to creating a simple pop up Bear card......

Download and print (in colour) the Bear template on to printer paper.

You will also need:

• A heavy card for the card base.
• Scissors
• Glue or double sided tape

Instructions:

1. Fold your heavy card in half to form the card base
2. Cut out the bear shapes from your printed sheet.
3. Open your card base.  Glue the bears body to the bottom centre of the card.  Add the inner body.  Close the card to create a centre fold.
4. Glue the bear's ears and other face features to the bear's head.  Fold in half.
5. Fold up one side of the bear's face (including the ear).
6. Turn over and fold the other side.  This creates two side tabs.
7. Place the centre fold of bear's head to the centre fold of the card.
8. First glue one tab and stick down.  Then glue the second tab.
9. Close the card.  When opened the paper bear should pop open.

This creates the inside of the card.  Add your own embellishments and messages to complete the cards.

• Make sure your pop-up element isn't too heavy.
• Experiment with different shapes and sizes of pop-up elements to create variety in your cards.

Interactive Cards

Interactive elements, like a pull-tab or a opening will create suspense and surprise!

Adding these designs doesn’t have to be complex.

Here are a few ideas....

• Include a hidden puzzle or game for the recipient to solve.
• Design a card with a maze that leads to a birthday message. 
• Include a word search where the birthday boy or girl must find all the hidden words to reveal a secret phrase.
• Add a QR code to your interactive birthday card. The recipient can scan it to see a special video message or an animated birthday greeting.    Type  "QR Code Generator" into Google for websites that make QR codes.
• Include "Scratch and Sniff" stickers in your card such as these from Amazon for fragrant stickers.
• Add jokes to your card that the birthday child can share with others.
• Make a colouring card and include a small pack of crayons in the envelope.

And Finally....

Celebrating a child's birthday with a handmade card will make their day special, as the card will become part of the memory of their birthday for years to come.

Get creative, have fun and Celebrate!